Information, Communication Technology (ICT) and Economic development in Africa

The objective of this study was to investigate the status and challenges of ICTs and ICT policy and their impact on economic development in Africa. The study build on the existing knowledge on the nature and extent of access to ICTs in Africa and proceeded to explore the impact of ICT on selected aspects of economic development with a view to drawing policy implications.

The thrust of the project was on analyzing the impact of ICTs on economic development addressing the level of firms and other key actors. Policy options to enhance the development of ICT and its impact on economic development were explored.

Project Technical Team

Olu Ajakaiye (Team Leader)

Samuel Wangwe (Project Coordinator)

Femi Bamiro

Ernest Aryeetey

Julian May

Alison Gilward

To guide the project, the following nine (9) framework papers were commissioned.

Overview of the Evolution, Status and Future of ICT in Africa: The Digital Divide and Africa’s Economic Development and Transformation by Sam Wangwe

The Structure of Cellular Phone Services and their Impact on Productivity, Efficiency, and Cost Effectiveness of Fishing-Boat and Commercial Taxi Owners in Ghana by Vijay K. Bhasin, Simon K. Harvey and Eme U. Fiawoyife

ICT Adoption and Performance of Small-Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kenya by Wilson Wasike and John Mutua

ICT and Productivity of the Printing and Publishing Industry in Nigeria by John O. Adeoti, Foluso Adeyinka and Moses Ubaru

Impact of ICT Investment and Use on Productive Processes and Development Outcomes in Nigeria by Muta Tiamiyu, Abiodun S. Bankole, and Rosemary Agbonlahor

ICT Investments and Price Transmission on Growth and Employment: Simulations on Senegal by Latif Dramani, Oumy Laye, and Alaya Ouarme

Customs Automation Initiatives and their Impact on Productivity and Efficiency: Case Study on Uganda by Justine Nannyonjo, Charles A Abuka and Nicholas Okot

Assessing ICT Impact on Development and Economic Transformation in Rural Areas in Tanzania: The Case of Rural Tele-centres in Tanzania by Peter Ulanga and Stephen Wangwe

ICT and Economic Development in Africa: The Case study of Rwanda by Thomas Rusuhuzwa Dominique Habimana

Some of the papers have been published in a special issue of the African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovations and Development (African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation & Development, Volume 3, Number 2, 2011 ” “ICTS and Economic Transformation in Africa”, Samuel Wangwe and Olu Ajakaiye, Eds). A policy brief training workshop with collaboration from the Global Development Network (GDN) was held in Nairobi on 1–2 December 2011. Using the knowledge gained from the workshop, the researchers have submitted revised policy briefs. These policy briefs have been processed and posted on AERC website with alerts to all stakeholders to enhance their policy impact.